MEM training for E.ON wind farms
UK
As part of the operation of the Robin Rigg offshore wind farm field in Cumbria which contains 60 turbines, E.ON developed robust emergency response plans as part of their emergency response capability. In order to fully test these plans in controlled conditions – and to ensure that staff achieved the required competence in implementing the plans – E.ON approached Petrofac Training Services to consider major emergency management (MEM) training for its offshore wind farm staff.
Historically, our MEM training has focused on the oil and gas industry – and on Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) and Control Room Operator (CRO) roles in particular. In general, the training involves theory sessions on the site’s Emergency Plan, command, control and communication, stress, pre-planning and information management. This is followed by a series of exercises held under simulated conditions, where delegates are tested, using a simulator of the local Control Room in different scenarios of varying degrees of intensity.
Renewable energy is relatively new to the UKCS region. But there are many similarities between oil and gas and offshore wind farm requirements. Both industries work in potentially hazardous conditions offshore; all personnel must be trained to a high level to work in small teams remote from immediate assistance; and there’s a need for a robust emergency response plan that details potential scenarios and roles and responsibilities for response personnel.
In arriving at the E.ON emergency plan, similarities were also considered between some of our existing MEM courses, including our OIM course.
During initial discussions, E.ON informed us that they had identified two emergency response roles: Incident Controller and Emergency Coordinator. Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience, Petrofac Training Services was able to analyse the roles and required competencies.
Using our in-house software programme, we designed a training model based on E.ON’s wind farms. We then devised an appraisal process specifically for this training. The training itself was divided into two distinct sections:
Incident Controller training
- For personnel nominated as Incident Controllers or Emergency Coordinators, and other key stakeholders including field manager and support vessel masters.
- The purpose of the training was to introduce the delegates to the principles of emergency management; communicate the E.ON Robin Rigg emergency response plan; familiarise delegates with the roles and responsibilities of the incident control team in the event of an incident; and to assist delegates in understanding the principles of command, control and communications. Presentations were used to cover the theory and table top exercises used to test communications.
Emergency Coordinator training
- For personnel nominated as Emergency Coordinators.
- This phase of training provided a safe, simulated environment in which delegates were exposed to an emergency situation. It allowed delegates to practise responses and assess key decision making skills. Actions and responses provided evidence for a narrative appraisal report based upon agreed criteria.
Our team designed a computerised simulation of the E.ON offshore wind farm asset for this purpose which was used as part of a control room “mock up”. Delegates were exposed to at least three emergency response scenarios. Telephone and radio communications were also used in the role play along with actors playing a variety of roles.
Shortly after the first phase of training, E.ON faced a real life emergency situation involving a work boat that was transferring personnel to a wind turbine. Some of the personnel who responded to the incident had already participated in our training. Following the incident, it was agreed that the emergency plans worked well and that personnel who had already received the training had benefited from this experience. The skills they had learnt helped to bring the incident to a successful and safe conclusion. E.ON were commended by the MAIB for their preparedness.
As result of the MEM training, personnel are now fully aware of the Robin Rigg emergency response plan and the roles/responsibilities it entails. The plan has been tested in the course of desktop exercises. And as it is recognised as a ‘live’ document, the plan is updated and amended as required. Personnel have been trained to communicate effectively, assess the situation and make sound decisions when dealing with an emergency situation.
